Beijing expressed hope on Monday that the new Canadian government would maintain an objective and rational perception toward China, and adopt a positive, pragmatic policy to improve bilateral relations.

Mark Carney, former governor of the Canadian central bank and Bank of England, who succeeded Justin Trudeau as the leader of the ruling Liberal Party, is set to become Canada's prime minister and form a new government following his election victory on Sunday.

During a news conference on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning congratulated Carney on his election and reiterated China's long-standing position of fostering bilateral ties based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.

Beijing hopes that Canada will work in the same direction with China to advance and enhance the relationship between the two countries, Mao said.

On another issue, Mao defended China's decision on Saturday to impose additional tariffs on some Canadian imports based on the ruling of an anti-discrimination probe, calling the move "fully necessary, justified, reasonable and lawful".

She emphasized that despite China's repeated persuasion, Canada has continued to impose discriminatory restrictions on certain Chinese imports — which severely violate the rules of the World Trade Organization, disrupt normal trade order, and seriously infringe upon China's legitimate rights and interests.

Mao called on Canada to take concrete steps to rectify its mistakes and ensure a fair, nondiscriminatory and predictable environment for normal trade and cooperation between enterprises in both countries.

Canada announced tariff hikes last year on Chinese electric vehicles, steel and aluminum, which prompted China's anti-discrimination probe in September.

The decision on Saturday came after China's first anti-discrimination probe into foreign countries and regions, which found that Canada's trade restrictions on certain Chinese products constitute discriminatory practices.

The new tariffs, effective on March 20, will include a 100 percent duty on rapeseed oil, oil cakes, and peas imported from Canada, while aquatic products and pork will face an additional 25 percent tariff.

zhaojia@chinadaily.com.cn